Adjustable display structure



T. J. DONOVAN, JR

ADJUSTABLE DISPLAY STRUCTURE Filed May 15, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 4/ INVENTOR. if, A BY Md :4 ZATTORNEY. 1

1934- T. J. DONOVAN, JR 1,931,347

ADJUSTABLE DISPLAY STRUCTURE Filed May 15, 1933 I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 C i- C LL 1?? i r I I "I INVENTOR.

BY Md-Q QJ I 154 ATTORNEY.

Nov. 27, 1934. -r. J. DONOVAN, JR 1,981,847

ADJUSTABLE DISPLAY STRUCTURE I Filed May 15, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 Y INVENTOR.

MQX-Qfl ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 27, 1934 P-ATE NT OFFICE ADJUSTQAVBLEVDISPLAY STRUCTURE .Thomas'JyDonovan, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa as Signor to J. S. Ivins Pa., a corporation of 8011,1110 Philadelphia, Delaware ApplicationMay 15, .1933, Serial No. 671,139

10 Claims.

My invention relates to structure for displaying articles or goods of any character, more particularly food stufis, such as biscuits, cakesand-the like, and more particularly to display structure 7 5 comprising a tray or false bottom of a container such as a caddy, que or the like, in combination with means for detachably supporting it upon a cover structure adapted for detachable mounting upon a plurality of containers interchangeably or in succession;

In accordance with my invention, a false bottom or tray, of a container for goods or articles packed or disposed upon the tray or false bottom, is provided Withflaps or equivalent members, generally ofsheet material, having slots, aper- 3 tures, slits, perforations or the like, at or adjacent its margins or edges, to permit the material of the flaps to rest upon, embrace or otherwise cooperativelyengage a suitable element or portion of a cover frame,'or' to form adjacent the edges of the flaps lips or, tongues which maybe sprung or forced out ofthe plane of the flap to either side thereof, in *contact' with a suitable element or portion of a cover structure to rest upon, embrace or otherwise cooperatively engage a suitable element or portion of a cover frame, for positively supporting the-tray and'the articles thereon, independently of the container and with out slippage or displacement, in any one of aplurality of positions to which the tray is-from time to time elevated to maintain the upper surface of the goods or articlesadjacentthe opening in the cover frame as the articles or goods are from time to'time depleted. 3

Further in accordance with my' invention the tray flap, havingthe structure of the character aforesaid, may be bent back upon itself,flto'form a double, triple or like ply structure engaging the cover frame, with the apertures, slits, perforations or slots in the several plies in' alignment or register with each. other, and the several plies lying close to each other in substantial contact, or spread apart to extend theregion of bearing of the flap structure upon the cover frame.

Flap structure of the character referred to makes it possible to support the tray at various levels, independently ofthe container, upon any support, including a cover frame or equivalent, preferably detachably carried by or mountedupon thecontainer, without need for imparting to the support or cover frame a particular formation or structure; and it is accordingly possible to support the tray upon cover frames or supports of I standard types or structures, the fiapsfonly having imparted thereto'suitable structural characf.

teristics suited for the aforesaid purposes. I 'My invention resides in adjustable structure having various features of arrangement, construction and combination, of the character hereinafter described and claimed. I

For an illustration of some of the various forms my invention may take, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Fig. 1 is a plan view of one of the various forms of tray or false bottom utilizable in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view, on enlarged scale, of the flap structure;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the structure of Fig. 1, with the flaps upstanding in the position of use;

Figs 4 is a vertical sectional view partly in elevation, illustrating the tray in its initial position in a container filled with articles, and constituting a package or unit as shipped to dealers or consumers; .7

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectionalview, parts in elevation, of a container with separate and detachab-le'cover upon which the tray is supported in a position to which elevated; i-

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view, parts in. elevation, of a-portion of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 isa vertical sectional view, parts in elevation,- taken at right angles to the section of Fig. 6; a

Fig. 8 is a similar sectionalview in which the cover structure'is of atype different from that illustrated in'Figs. 5, 6 and '7;

Figs-9 and 10 are vertical sectional views, similar to Fig. '7, illustrating the use of several plies of the flap for engagement with the cover structure."

In Figs. 1-3 there is shown-an example of various forms of trays or false bottoms utilizable in accordance with my invention. The false bottom ortray'l is provided with flaps. 2, or any equivalent lifting and tray or bottom supporting members. The flaps 2, where they join the tray or'bottom 1, may be of substantially the full length of the side of the bottom to constitute, when in the vertical position shown in Fig. 3, members for stiffening the tray or bottom 1 which at its opposite ends may be' provided with like stiffening elements or flaps The flaps 2' are of a width, above the aforesaid por- The flaps 2 are provided with marginal slots,

notches, perforations, slits or apertures 4, preferably equally spaced vertically, to define lips or tongues 5 which, singly or in pairs, coact with their support, as hereinafter described.

The slots or apertures 4 may be of any suitable width or may be mere slits between neighboring tongues or lips 5. The flaps 2 are shown as provided preferably with the enlarged apertures 6, circular or of any other suitable shape, with which the slits or apertures 4 communicate. The perforations 6 may be of shape and dimensions suitable for embrace, to greater or less extent, of the supporting member or element, with which one or more of the tongues or lips 5 may also coact, as hereinafter described.

Between neighboring slits, slots or apertures, the flaps 2 may be scored, perforated or otherwise weakened along the lines 7, midway between or otherwise positioned with respect to the neighboring slots or apertures, to facilitate tearing off the upper ends of the flaps, between their portions utilized for support of the tray, or for facilitating bending of the flap back upon itself when two or more plies or thicknesses thereof are to be utilized as in Figs. 9 and 10 for the supporting function.

In the example illustrated, the tray is formed from a single sheet of heavy paper, cardboard, pasteboard or other suitable material, with the flaps 2 and members 3 integral with the bottom or tray element 1. ,The blank is preferably scored along the lines 8 to permit ready bending of the flaps 2 and members 3 into upstanding positions indicated in Fig. 3.

It shall be understood, however, that the bottom or tray element 1 may be of any suitable material, rigid or otherwise, and that the flaps 2 may be separate therefrom but preferably attached thereto, and the flaps 2 may be formed in a single piece extending across the under side of the member 1, simply supporting the same or suitably attached thereto.

In Fig. 4, C is a container, such as a caddy or que, of cardboard, strawboard, pasteboard, or the like, with the tray structure, of the type illustrated in Fig. 3, or equivalent structure, disposed therein with the tray or bottom member 1 upon the bottom 0 of the container C with the flaps 2 extending upwardly adjacent the sides of the container. Upon the tray structure or member 1, and within the container, are disposed the goods or articles A, for example biscuits, cakes, or other articles of food, or articles for any other purpose, disposed either haphazard or in bulk or, as indicated, in substantially uniform array. The container C may have at its upper end along its four top edges the inwardly turned flanges or flaps 9.

The structure and its contents, as illustrated in Fig. 4, constitute a package or unit shipped to storekeepers who place the goods upon display and dispose of them by sale or otherwise in successive lots by removing the articles A from the top of the container through the cover structure hereinafter referred to. As goods within the container are reduced in quantity or depleted by successive sales, the flaps 2 are lifted to bring the top of the remaining goods substantially to the top of the container C, and for this purpose structure in accordance with my invention is employed.

In Figs. 5 to 10 inclusive the aforesaid package or unit is shown in section, with the bottom or tray member 1 in elevated position in one of the various positions to which it may be elevated in correspondence with depletion of pr viously sold stock A.

In Figs. 5 to 10 inclusive, the flanges or flaps 9 of the container are shown bent outwardly and downwardly parallel with the walls of the container C. In accordance with these figures there are detachably mounted upon the containers C cover structures 10 of various and any suitable types.

Referring to Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7, the cover structure 10 comprises the cover frame 11, generally of sheet material, upon which there is hinged at 12 the cover proper 13 having the vertical walls 14, and inwardly extending horizontal beaded. flanges 15 bordering an opening covered by the sheet of glass 16 held by a retaining member 17. The cover frame 11, generally of sheet metal, comprises the horizontal flange or member 18 bordering an opening above the articles A for access thereto. From the member 18 rises the flange 19 embracing or beaded about the core wire or rod 12 extending around the four sides of the cover frame. Depending from the flange or member 18 is the skirt or flange 20 overlying the flap 9 of the carton or container C. As indicated in Figs. 6 and 7, the flap 2 at its uppermost aperture 6 embraces and rests upon the bead or flange 19 of the cover frame, and the lower lip or tongue 5 of the pair associated with the aforesaid aperture 6 is sprung or forced to one side as indicated in Fig. 7, pressing against the under side of the flange 19 or a portion of the flange 18, whereby the tray 1 and the articles A thereon are positively supported independently of the container C upon a support, in this instance a cover frame, in a position to bring the top layer of the articles A substantially to the top edge of the container C. As the stock is depleted, the tray 1 is elevated from time to time by lifting the flaps 2 upwardly and causing them to engage at lower and lower perforations 6 in the manner indicated in Figs. 6 and '7, so supporting the tray in its successive elevated positions. When the tray has been brought to suitable level, the excess of the flap 2, above the line 7, immediately above the then utilized aperture 6, is torn oif along the lines '7.

In Fig. 8there is shown a modified form of cover structure, again having a flange or bead 19, bordering the opening in the cover frame. In this case again the uppermost aperture 6 in the flap 2 is passed over the bead or flange 19, and the lower lip 5 of the pair associated with the aforesaid aperture 6 is sprung or forced laterally, and as in Figs. 6 and '7 may spring or press against the lower side of the cover flange 18 or 19.

In Fig. 9 the cover structure is of the character illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and 7. In this case, however, the flap 2 is disposed in double ply,

represented by the two portions 2a and 2b in whose edges are the two uppermost perforations 6 both of which embrace the'flange or bead 19, and their associated lower lips or tongues 5 are sprung or forced laterally, as indicated, to spring or bear against the lower surface of the flange 18 or 19 of the cover frame, giving in this case, as in Fig. 7, better bearing of the flap 2 upon or against its support, and by the friction of such engagement preventing displacement of the flap along its support. In the arrangement of Fig. 9, where the elements 2a and 2b are spread apart, the edges of the holes or apertures 6 may grip the upper and lower sides of the support or flange 19, and in any event give a broader base of support of the flap 2 upon the member 19.

In Fig. 10, the cover structure is again generally of the type illustrated in Fig. 9, and in this case the flap is again disposed in the two plies 2a and 2b where it engages the support 19, but the two plies lie closely adjacent or against each other, and one or both of the lower tongues or lips 5 is sprung or forced laterally and may engage or bear against the under side of the cover frame.

As indicated in Figs. 9 and 10, the flap elements 2a and 2b are formed by bending the flap along the scoring or other weakening 7 which, as described in connectionwith Figs. 1, 2 and 3, is generally midway between neighboring perforations, slits, slots or apertures 4. It will be understood, however, particularly forthe case where two or more plies such as 2a and 2b are to be used for engaging the support, that the scoring or weakening may be along lines 7 which are more or less to one side of position midway between neighboring apertures or slots, thereby causing the several plies 2a, 21), etc., to take somewhat unsymmetrical positions With respect to each other and the support 19, causing different degrees and directions of'application of the holding and gripping forces exerted by the several plies upon the support 19. p

The several cover structures above described are, and generically represent, cover structures of standard, usual or any suitable types; in each the structure is such that it has not been modifled, either by detachable or permanent built-in means, for holding or supporting the tray flaps. In these arrangements hereinbefore described, the tray flaps themselves embody the entire structure or formation necessary or requisite for supporting the tray upon the cover structure, cover frame or any other support.

It shall be understood, however, that my flap structure is utilizable with other than standard or unmodified supports, such as cover structures, cover frames, or the like.

In the examples of my invention above described, the perforations, notches, slots and the like, opening at the edge of the flap, are so disposed that the flap engages the supporting element in the cover structureedgewise; the edge of the fiap is substantially normal or at right angles to the longitudinal extent of the supporting element of the cover structure.

While in the examples above described, the supporting element 19 of the cover structure has substantial vertical dimension, it may be in the form of a thin plate or flange whose edge is horizontal, in which case that edge will be received in a slit or slot 4 in the flap 2, and the size of the apertures or perforations 6 then may be relatively smaller than indicated in the drawings, or may be entirely omitted, in which case a slit or slot 4 only is involved for the engagement of the flap with the supporting element of the cover structure.

What I claim is:

1. The combination with cover structure of a container, of tray structure having a flap for elevating and supporting the same, said flap having openings extending to its edge for engaging a structural element of the cover structure for supporting said tray structure in various positions to which it may be elevated.

2. The combination with cover structure of a container, of tray structure having a flap for elevating and supporting the same, said flap having openings extending to its edge for engaging a structural element of the cover structure with the face of said flap normal to said element, for supporting said tray structure in various positions to which it may be elevated.

3. The combination with a cover frame detachably mountable upon a container, of a tray, and

flap structure for elevating and supporting said tray and having its edge severed by a vertical series of openings at which said flap engages a structural element of said cover frame for supporting said tray in various positions to which it may be elevated.

4. The combination with cover structure of a container, of a tray, a flap on said tray for elevating and supporting it, said flap: having vertically spaced apertures with restricted openings extending to the edge of said flap for engaging a structural element of said cover structure for supporting the tray in various positions to which it may be elevated.

5. The combination with cover structure of a container, of a tray, a flap on said tray for elevating and supporting the same, said flap having a vertical series of openings extending to its edge, the upper portion of said flap doubled back to form a plurality of elements engaging a structural element of said cover structure at said openings, to support said tray in various positions to which it may be elevated.

6. The combination with cover structure of a container, of a tray, a flap for elevating and supporting the same,- said flap having a vertical series of perforations extending to its edge, said flap engaging a structural element of said cover structure at one of said openings, and a tongue displaced out of the face of said flap for engaging said structural element for supporting said tray in various positions to which it may be elevated.

7. In combination, a container. structure and a cover structure therefor, tray structure having a flap for elevating and supporting the same, said flap being provided with a plurality of vertically-spaced openings adapted to engage an integral structural element of one of said container and cover structures for supporting said tray structure in various positions to which it may be elevated.

8. The combination with cover structure of a container, of tray structure having a flap for elevating and supporting the same, said flap being provided with a plurality of vertically-spaced openings adapted to engage an integral structural element of the cover structure for supporting said tray structure in various positions t which it may be elevated.

9. The combination of a container and a cover structure therefor, said container and cover including a reenforcing bead, a tray structure having a flap for elevating and supporting the same, said flap being provided with vertically-spaced openings for engaging said bead to support said tray structure in various positions to which it may be elevated.

10. The combination with cover structure of a container, said cover structure including a reenforcing bead, of tray structure having a flap for elevating and supporting the same, said flap being provided with vertically-spaced openings for engaging said bead to support said tray structure in various positions to which it may be elevated.

THOMAS J. DONOVAN, JR. 

